Surah Al-Kahf — Verse 77

Key Words and Phrases:

• اسْتَطْعَمَا (istat'ama): They asked for food.
• فَأَبَوْا (fa-abaw): They refused.
• يُضَيِّفُوهُمَا (yudayyifūhumā): To host them as guests and provide them with hospitality.
• جِدَارًا (jidāran): A wall.
• يُرِيدُ أَنْ يَنقَضَّ (yurīdu an yanqaḍḍ): It was about to fall down; leaning and on the verge of collapsing.
• فَأَقَامَهُ (fa-aqāmahu): He straightened it and made it stand upright.
• لَتَّخَذْتَ عَلَيْهِ أَجْرًا (lattakhadhta 'alayhi ajran): You could have taken a wage or payment for this work.

Explanation of the Verse:

They continued their journey until they reached the people of a certain town. Being in need, they asked the townspeople for food and hospitality, but the people refused to host them or offer them any kindness. Despite this cold and unwelcoming reception, the two travelers noticed a wall in the town that was leaning dangerously and on the verge of collapsing. Without hesitation, the wise companion (Khidr) repaired the wall and set it straight, performing an act of great benefit for people who had just treated them poorly.

Seeing this, Moses (peace be upon him) said to him: "If you had wished, you could have taken a payment for this work." He meant that since the townspeople had denied them even basic hospitality and food, it would have been entirely reasonable to ask for a wage for such valuable labor—especially since they were hungry and in need of provisions.

This moment reveals the beautiful patience and selflessness of the righteous servant, who did good without expecting any worldly return, while Moses, with his natural human perspective, saw the practical opportunity to earn something from the task. It also shows the high moral character of Moses, who was not demanding or greedy, but simply pointing out a practical solution to their need. The verse teaches us that even when people are unkind to us, we should not let their behavior lower our own standards of goodness—and that true believers are those who do good even to those who treat them harshly, seeking their reward from Allah alone, not from the gratitude of people.

This story is a profound lesson in patience, trust in Allah, and the virtue of performing good deeds sincerely for His sake. It reminds us that the believer's character is not conditional on how others treat them; rather, it is rooted in faith and the desire to please Allah, who sees every action and will reward it in ways beyond our imagination.